6 Classic Items That Always Make You Look Expensive
Sponsor Content Created With Joseph
Whatever the year or season, there are certain items that always look expensive. If you want to look polished at all times, we've pinpointed six wardrobe essentials that will elevate any wardrobe, including a perfectly tailored coat and a classic tote bag. Instead of flashy embellishments and logo-splattered pieces (that can skew perceptions of how much you may or may not have spent), we find that minimal, quality pieces look just as—if not more—luxurious.
These tips are styling and closet-building philosophies that the iconic British brand Joseph has mastered over the years. The brand's creative director, Louise Trotter, knows how to create luxury staples that you'll love for years—made with modern and with updated silhouettes. She's been adapting the brand's timeless DNA to appeal to cool girls the world over since she took the helm in 2009. Meghan Markle perfectly exemplified this when she wore a khaki midi skirt by the brand to her first official royal outing. Seemingly simple, it had a flare on the right-hand side that made you look twice. Keep scrolling to see and shop the six classic items that always make you look expensive.
1. Minimal Tote Bag
An easy way to sharpen up all of your looks is to stop carrying multiple bags and retire your scruffy tote bag. Instead, opt for a minimal leather bag, such as this Joseph tote bag from the brand's new handbag collection, which proves practical bags can still look luxe.
2. Classic White Shirt
3. Cashmere Jumper
4. Tailored Overcoat
5. Heeled Boots
Plain and understated leather heeled boots are another item that instantly elevates any outfit, and these black boots are an item you'll have in your wardrobe for years. Tip: Remember to weather-proof them first.
6. Silk Slip Dress
Silk slip dresses and midi skirts in rich shades like burgundy and emerald green are an elegant way to do party dressing and look beautiful in the day layered over chunky cashmere. Next up, see our edit of the best winter coats to buy now.

Hannah Almassi is the MD for Women’s UK at Future PLC. Following a decade-long tenure as Who What Wear UK’s first Editor-in-Chief, she now oversees Who What Wear and Marie Claire in the UK. Hannah has been part of the the Who What Wear brand since 2015, when she was headhunted to launch the UK sister site and social channels, implement a localised content strategy and build out the editorial team. As an expert at the intersection of content, commerce, building brands and monetising digital platforms, she now combines her editorial experience alongside business acumen to help guide digital titles into the future.
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